Russ Lesser
Russ Lesser
Leadership Advisory Board Member
Russ Lesser received his Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University at Long Beach, after which he served in the US Army Reserve as First Lieutenant for the Finance Corps. He worked for 26 years for Winde’s & McClaughtry, CPA, becoming a managing partner, after which he was president of two companies, Dive N’ Surf, Inc. and Body Glove International.
Russ’s community involvement has been extensive, ranging from serving on the Board of Directors and coaching for Manhattan Beach’s Pony and Little League, serving on the Manhattan Beach Planning Commission, and serving as President of the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce. He was additionally a City Councilman in the City of Manhattan Beach for eight years, including two terms as mayor. Russ also co-founded the Manhattan Beach 10K Run, in which his involvement continues. He has also participated in a wide variety of community boards, from family crisis centers to church boards and environmental organizations.
For his many impactful contributions to his community, Russ has been selected to join the Alumni Hall of Fame for both El Camino College and his former high school, along with being named the Distinguished Alumni of the Year for the business school of California State University in 2013. He additionally received both the Rose and Scroll Award and South Bay Citizens of the Year jointly with his wife.